Dangote Sugar Refinery has committed over $700 million to secure land, install machinery, build infrastructure, train manpower, and support host communities, aiming to end Nigeria’s dependence on imported raw sugar. Group CEO Ravindra Singhvi announced the investment at the Lagos International Trade Fair, emphasizing aggressive execution of sugar backward integration and the launch of new product sizes (100g, 250g, 500g, 1kg).
Fatima Aliko-Dangote, Dangote Group Executive Director, highlighted full industrialization and value addition as key to Nigeria’s economic diversification, job creation, and building ancillary industries. The conglomerate will expand the Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s capacity, boost fertiliser and polypropylene production, and drive wider economic growth.
The initiative is seen as a major milestone for Nigeria, supporting the rise of local manufacturing, improved agro-industry output, and the reduction of multi-billion-dollar import bills. Dangote’s ongoing investments underscore its strategic role as a stabilizing force in times of economic uncertainty, safeguarding jobs and fostering national growth.
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NAF boosts national security with 111 new special forces operators
https://punchng.com/naf-strengthens-national-security-with-111-new-special-forces-operators The Nigerian Air Force has graduated 111 new special forces operators to strengthen national security operations across the country. The personnel completed Special Forces Course 13/2026 at the Nigerian Air Force Regiment Training Centre in Jos, Plateau State. The course focused on advanced skills needed for counter terrorism, counter insurgency, and other high risk operations. According to the Air Force, the graduation marks another milestone in efforts to build a robust pool of elite forces capable of responding swiftly to emerging security threats. The new operators received intensive training in weapons handling, small unit tactics, assault operations, intelligence driven missions, and survival skills in hostile environments. The Chief of Air Staff, represented at the event, charged the graduands to maintain high levels of discipline, professionalism, and dedication as they join ongoing operations in different theatres nationwide. He noted that […]
SERAP demands N110bn refund for luxury cars and unlawful allowances
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has demanded that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas refund N110 billion to the public treasury after a Federal High Court in Lagos declared the National Assembly's spending on luxury SUVs and unlawful allowances illegal. The court ruling on the 5th of May came in a suit SERAP filed in 2023, challenging the 10th Assembly's plan to spend N40 billion on 465 exotic and bulletproof cars and N70 billion as holiday allowances for new lawmakers. Justice Yellim Bogoro of the Federal High Court held that the N110 billion spend violated section 57(4) of the Public Procurement Act, 2007, the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, and lawmakers' constitutional oath of office. The judgment found that the spending breached the principle that public funds must be used judiciously, especially at a time when […]
Army confirms intel on Turji weapons training in Sokoto
The Nigerian Army has confirmed intelligence reports that loyalists of notorious bandit leader Bello Turji are undergoing weapons training and tactical exercises in parts of eastern Sokoto State, raising fresh security concerns in the Sokoto–Zamfara border corridor. According to the intelligence report, the gathering is taking place in areas stretching from Bingabale Kudu through Bafarawa East to Bargaja, where fighters linked to Turji are reportedly conducting military-style drills using newly acquired weapons. Altine International Security咨询公司 (Altine International Security Consulting) disclosed that intelligence reaching the organisation indicated the fighters were receiving training on the use of sophisticated weapons recently introduced into the area. "Our findings suggest that these fighters are currently engaged in weapons training and tactical exercises using newly acquired arms, including some of the same sophisticated weapons reportedly deployed during recent confrontations with security forces," Altine said. Altine further […]
INEC declares Oyebanji winner of Ekiti governorship poll
The Independent National Electoral Commission has declared Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress the winner of the Ekiti State governorship election held on Saturday, securing a second term in office. According to the final results announced by the state returning officer, Oyebanji polled a total of 319,224 votes across all 16 local government areas of Ekiti State. His closest rivals trailed by significant margins, confirming what the APC has described as a “clean sweep” at the polls. The declaration was made in the early hours of Sunday at the state collation centre after INEC officials concluded the collation and verification of results from the various local government areas. The exercise followed the close of voting and counting at polling units across the state on Saturday. Oyebanji’s victory confirms continued control of Ekiti State by the APC, four years […]
Japan raises visa fees for Nigerians and other foreigners by 400%
Japan has sharply increased visa application fees for Nigerians and other foreign nationals, raising costs by up to 400 percent for several categories of visas. According to Japan’s revised tariff, the standard single‑entry visa fee has risen from 3,000 yen to 15,000 yen for most foreign applicants, including Nigerians. This represents a fivefold increase in the amount payable per application. Multiple‑entry and double‑entry visas have also recorded significant hikes, with fees moving from about 6,000 yen to considerably higher levels under the new structure. Transit visas, which previously attracted a lower charge, now come with increased costs as well, although they remain cheaper than single‑entry visas. In addition to the higher visa fees, applicants using visa application centres will continue to pay separate service charges and, in some locations, courier fees for document transfer between Lagos, Abuja, and the embassy. […]
Ghana actor Van Vicker earns first class law degree from Wisconsin University
Award-winning Ghanaian actor and filmmaker Joseph Van Vicker has earned a first class Bachelor of Laws degree from Wisconsin International University College in Ghana. Sharing the achievement on Instagram on June 19, 2026, Van Vicker reflected on the significance of graduating with first class honours. He noted that academic success alone does not guarantee professional excellence in the legal field. Van Vicker is a celebrated figure in African cinema and television. He previously earned a first class degree from the African University College of Communication for his undergraduate studies. He is also currently pursuing a Master of Philosophy degree at the University of Education, Winneba. The actor enrolled at Wisconsin International University College to study the Bachelor of Laws program after completing his first degree. He has been active in the entertainment industry for many years, producing films and television […]
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NAF boosts national security with 111 new special forces operators
https://punchng.com/naf-strengthens-national-security-with-111-new-special-forces-operators The Nigerian Air Force has graduated 111 new special forces operators to strengthen national security operations across the country. The personnel completed Special Forces Course 13/2026 at the Nigerian Air Force Regiment Training Centre in Jos, Plateau State. The course focused on advanced skills needed for counter terrorism, counter insurgency, and other high risk operations. According to the Air Force, the graduation marks another milestone in efforts to build a robust pool of elite forces capable of responding swiftly to emerging security threats. The new operators received intensive training in weapons handling, small unit tactics, assault operations, intelligence driven missions, and survival skills in hostile environments. The Chief of Air Staff, represented at the event, charged the graduands to maintain high levels of discipline, professionalism, and dedication as they join ongoing operations in different theatres nationwide. He noted that […]
SERAP demands N110bn refund for luxury cars and unlawful allowances
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has demanded that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas refund N110 billion to the public treasury after a Federal High Court in Lagos declared the National Assembly's spending on luxury SUVs and unlawful allowances illegal. The court ruling on the 5th of May came in a suit SERAP filed in 2023, challenging the 10th Assembly's plan to spend N40 billion on 465 exotic and bulletproof cars and N70 billion as holiday allowances for new lawmakers. Justice Yellim Bogoro of the Federal High Court held that the N110 billion spend violated section 57(4) of the Public Procurement Act, 2007, the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, and lawmakers' constitutional oath of office. The judgment found that the spending breached the principle that public funds must be used judiciously, especially at a time when […]
Army confirms intel on Turji weapons training in Sokoto
The Nigerian Army has confirmed intelligence reports that loyalists of notorious bandit leader Bello Turji are undergoing weapons training and tactical exercises in parts of eastern Sokoto State, raising fresh security concerns in the Sokoto–Zamfara border corridor. According to the intelligence report, the gathering is taking place in areas stretching from Bingabale Kudu through Bafarawa East to Bargaja, where fighters linked to Turji are reportedly conducting military-style drills using newly acquired weapons. Altine International Security咨询公司 (Altine International Security Consulting) disclosed that intelligence reaching the organisation indicated the fighters were receiving training on the use of sophisticated weapons recently introduced into the area. "Our findings suggest that these fighters are currently engaged in weapons training and tactical exercises using newly acquired arms, including some of the same sophisticated weapons reportedly deployed during recent confrontations with security forces," Altine said. Altine further […]
INEC declares Oyebanji winner of Ekiti governorship poll
The Independent National Electoral Commission has declared Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress the winner of the Ekiti State governorship election held on Saturday, securing a second term in office. According to the final results announced by the state returning officer, Oyebanji polled a total of 319,224 votes across all 16 local government areas of Ekiti State. His closest rivals trailed by significant margins, confirming what the APC has described as a “clean sweep” at the polls. The declaration was made in the early hours of Sunday at the state collation centre after INEC officials concluded the collation and verification of results from the various local government areas. The exercise followed the close of voting and counting at polling units across the state on Saturday. Oyebanji’s victory confirms continued control of Ekiti State by the APC, four years […]
Japan raises visa fees for Nigerians and other foreigners by 400%
Japan has sharply increased visa application fees for Nigerians and other foreign nationals, raising costs by up to 400 percent for several categories of visas. According to Japan’s revised tariff, the standard single‑entry visa fee has risen from 3,000 yen to 15,000 yen for most foreign applicants, including Nigerians. This represents a fivefold increase in the amount payable per application. Multiple‑entry and double‑entry visas have also recorded significant hikes, with fees moving from about 6,000 yen to considerably higher levels under the new structure. Transit visas, which previously attracted a lower charge, now come with increased costs as well, although they remain cheaper than single‑entry visas. In addition to the higher visa fees, applicants using visa application centres will continue to pay separate service charges and, in some locations, courier fees for document transfer between Lagos, Abuja, and the embassy. […]
APC, ADC, PDP test strength in Ekiti gov election
The All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and 12 other parties are testing their strength today as Ekiti State holds its 2026 governorship election. Incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the APC is seeking re-election, facing a major challenge from PDP candidate Wole Oluyede and ADC flagbearer Dare Bejide, as the three parties battle for over one million registered votes across 16 local government areas. Analysts see the poll as a key test of APC’s grip on Ekiti and of the opposition’s ability to rally discontented voters ahead of future contests in the South-West, with the ADC also looking to prove it is more than a “noisemaker” after being tipped for its first real electoral test in Osun and Ekiti. Party leaders from APC, ADC and PDP have expressed confidence about victory, with all three […]